Planting hydrangea can be a fun and rewarding experience. Once the beautifully bright bloom has emerged, all the work involved in planting hydrangea will pay off. The first step to planting hydrangea is choosing the proper location for best results. The site chosen must have a good deal of direct sunlight daily, but some shade is also preferred. The soil must be dry to moist and have good drainage to prevent root rot. Knowing the pH level of the soil will help to predict the color of the blooms.

The second step to planting hydrangea is the actual planting. The state the flower was obtained in determines when the planting should take place. Hydrangeas that were container grown should be planted in the spring or fall months. Bare root hydrangea should be planted in early to mid spring. The hole should be large enough to provide enough room for the roots to be spread out. Once the roots have been spread, dirt should be applied a little bit at a time and pressed down firmly, both to remove any air pockets and to provide proper support for the plant. The crown of the plant should be only an inch or so beneath the surface of the soil.

Planting hydrangea is only half of the initial care stage. After planting, mulch should be applied to the hydrangea to help prevent frost heaving. In areas where the temperature drops below zero degrees in the winter, mulching annually in the late autumn should help to protect the plant from becoming too cold in the winter.

The last step to planting hydrangea is optional, and only works on some of the hydrangea species. This is to fine-tune the bloom color. Adding some lime to the soil will turn the bloom to a pink for the following growing season. Supplying the soil with aluminum sulfate will give the soil a higher alkaline content and make the blooms a blue tint. Growing hydrangea is a very rewarding experience, as the blooms are large and very lovely.

Plant Types and Container Sizes

Nature Hills sells a variety of plants and products, with many available in different types and sizes:

Select (bare root) Trees - Hand-selected quality bare root trees. The height of the tree you will receive will be displayed under the icon. Popular sizes of Select Trees are 1 foot, 2 feet, 3 feet, etc.

Select (bare root) Plants - Hand selected-quality bare root plants.The height of the plant you will receive will be displayed under the icon. Popular sizes of Select Plants are 1 foot, 18 inches, etc.

Select (bare root) Small Fruits - Hand-selected quality small fruit plants. The height and # of plants in the pack you will receive is displayed above and below the image. (Ex: 3-pack of 1 foot plants).

Note on No. 1 Select sizes: You may see No. 1 used as the size of Select Tree/Plant. A "Number 1" grade plant is the highest-grade bare root plant available.

Potted Plants & Trees - Quality plants and trees with developed root systems will have this icon. Typical sizes of our potted plants and trees are as follows:

• #1 Container - Ranges from 2.26-3.73 quarts or 2.49-4.11 liters

• #2 Container - Equal to 1.19-1.76 gallons or 5.246-7.770 liters

• #3 Container - Equal to 2.32-2.76 gallons or 10.285-12.164 liters

• #5 Container - Equal to 2.92-4.62 gallons or 12.86-20.36 liters

• 5.5" pot is 5 1/2" x 5" x 5" which is equal to 1.89 of a quart or 1.78 liters

Shipping Fees

Nature Hills sells a variety of plants and products, with many available in different types and sizes:

At Nature Hills we handle, package and ship the products you order with the utmost care to ensure healthy delivery. Shipping and handling charges are calculated based on the tables below. Please note that some items include an additional handling surcharge, these will be noted on the item's product page.